Simply Smart Business Podcast

Ready to make your marketing smarter, not harder? In this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, Nicki Ong sits down with Dylan Bennett, fractional CMO and founder of DYB Media, to unpack practical strategies small businesses can use right now. 

From why digital marketing outperforms traditional in trackable ROI, to how storytelling and authenticity build trust, to the systems that keep your content consistent, Dylan shares what actually moves the needle. He also demystifies the fractional CMO role and explains how part-time leadership can accelerate strategy without the full-time price tag.

You’ll hear how Dylan repurposes one podcast into 30+ assets, why actionable metrics matter, and how to use AI as an aid – not a crutch. If you want clear, repeatable processes and better results, this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways

• Digital beats traditional for measurable ROI and lower barriers to entry
• Fractional CMO = strategic leadership, part-time cost, full-scope impact
• Storytelling + authenticity = trust, connection, conversion
• Repurposing multiplies reach: one topic can fuel 10–30+ assets
• AI is a tool for structure and speed; your voice delivers the value
• Time-blocking and systems reduce overwhelm and increase consistency
• “One rep at a time”: focus on the next best action to build momentum

About Dylan Bennett

Dylan Bennett is a fractional CMO and founder of DYB Media. He helps small businesses build simple, effective digital marketing systems – leading strategy, teams, and implementation to drive measurable growth. Connect with Dylan on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/the_dybennett), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-dybennett/), or via his website: https://dybmedia.org.

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

Are you living in alignment with your true gifts? On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong sits down with Amber Cornwall, a soul embodiment mentor and soul purpose coach who helps people monetize their unique gifts and live their soul’s purpose. 

Amber shares her inspiring journey from a public education career to becoming a sought-after spiritual mentor, offering powerful lessons about alignment, authenticity, and transformation.

If you’ve been searching for ways to bring more meaning and ease into your work and life, Amber’s insights will resonate deeply. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories that will encourage you to step into your full potential.

Key Takeaways  

• Amber opens up about leaving a decade-long career in public education and how her “awakening moment” led her to discover her true path as a spiritual mentor.  
• Learn how being out of alignment creates challenges and how tuning in to your own frequency allows life and business to flow with ease.  
• Amber shares how understanding and leveraging your personal gifts can lead to fulfillment and financial success.  
• Amber discusses how grounding into the present moment enhances not just your personal satisfaction but also your overall impact as an entrepreneur.  
• Discover Amber's pivotal advice on stepping into your ideal story, focusing on your desires, and trusting the "how" will come.  

Connect with Amber

Connect with Amber on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ambercornwallcoaching - or learn more about her services on her website - https://ambercornwall.com/

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong chats with Melissa Delaney, a dynamic professional with a unique blend of expertise in high-profile event management and legal marketing. Melissa shares her insights on creating purpose-driven events, leveraging authentic marketing, and building a career that aligns with your lifestyle.  

Melissa’s experience spans managing luxurious, unforgettable events and helping law firms enhance their digital presence. She reveals how core values like elevated service and authenticity can set brands apart, ensure meaningful connections, and inspire client loyalty.  

If you’re looking to create standout experiences or craft marketing strategies that truly connect, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.  

Key Takeaways  

• Small, thoughtful actions can elevate experiences and set your brand apart.  
• Authentic marketing connects deeply with audiences, creating trust and loyalty.  
• A growth mindset transforms mistakes into opportunities for success.  
• Purpose-driven events can strengthen internal and external relationships.  
• Aligning your work with your lifestyle fosters greater fulfillment and impact.  

Connect with Melissa

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn for insights on event management and legal marketing strategies: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissalapuma/ or visit her website (https://www.pipresence.com/) for more information!

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong chats with Lauren Kim, a passionate marketing director, creative strategist, and team culture enthusiast. Lauren leads marketing at Team Orthodontics, an Arizona-based orthodontic practice known for their unforgettable experiences and creating beautiful, confident smiles.

Lauren shares her inspiring career journey, from her early days in orthodontics to leading marketing and spearheading initiatives that drive both team and business success. She reveals her passion for systems, building strong teams, and fostering authentic relationships with customers. 

Lauren also dives into the importance of culture fit in the workplace and balancing motherhood with career aspirations. Lastly, she gives us a sneak peek into her exciting new venture, Straight Up, designed to empower doctors and their teams to elevate their marketing strategies.

Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

Key Takeaways

• Strong Culture Fit Drives Success: Working for a company that aligns with your values fosters growth and fulfillment.
• Team Development is Key: Regular one-on-one meetings can build trust, strengthen culture, and empower teams to succeed.
• The Power of Customer Feedback: Engaging with customers throughout their experience helps provide better services and fosters strong relationships.
• Giving Back Matters: Initiatives like the Smile Scholarship demonstrate the power of businesses positively impacting their community.
• Balance is Possible: Through time management and prioritizing passions, it’s possible to juggle multiple roles effectively.

Connect with Lauren 

Connect with Lauren to learn more about her work, initiatives, and upcoming coaching program, Straight Up: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenvkim/

Explore how this Arizona-based practice (Team Orthodontics - https://teamorthodontics.com/) is transforming smiles and giving back to the community.

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

In this episode, host Nicki Ong is joined by the inspiring Erica Roselius, personal trainer, fitness studio owner, and founder of Driven Fitness. For nearly two decades, Erica has been helping women maintain their health, with a special focus on navigating fitness through menopause.

This episode dives deep into Erica’s fascinating entrepreneurial journey, the power of community in driving customer loyalty, and how professionalism, integrity, and transparency create a foundation for small business success.

If you’re ready to be inspired and pick up actionable insights to build community and trust in your business, this episode is not to be missed!

Key Takeaways

Here’s what you’ll gain from tuning in:

• Fitness Through Menopause: Erica shares her expertise on fitness strategies for women during this life stage, including how she became a specialist in this underserved area.
• Building Communities That Last: Discover how Erica uses events and programs to foster connections that go beyond fitness classes.
• Creating a Brand Built on Core Values: Learn how professionalism, integrity, and transparency have shaped Erica’s business decisions.
• Overcoming Challenges in Business: From pivoting during COVID to adjusting to a rural community, Erica reflects on the lessons she’s learned along the way.
• Practical Marketing Insights: Erica reveals how grassroots marketing, like leveraging local Facebook groups, has helped her grow her business in a small-town setting.

About Erica Roselius

Erica Roselius is the founder of Driven Fitness, specializing in helping women, particularly those navigating menopause, improve their health and fitness. With certifications in weight loss and fitness through menopause, Erica empowers her clients with expert knowledge and support. She also believes deeply in creating communities through her fitness programs, offering not only exercise but a space for connection and support.

When she’s not coaching clients, Erica enjoys exploring the scenic outdoors of Northern Nevada, where she’s successfully built a close-knit fitness community.

Connect with Erica on her website: https://drivenfitnessnevada.com/ or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drivenfitnessnow/.

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong sits down with Allie Fisher, Head of Client Services and Strategy at ModGirl Marketing and Luminetics. Allie brings nearly 20 years of digital marketing expertise and a background in screenwriting to the table, making her approach to branding and content both strategic and deeply human.

Throughout the conversation, Allie shares actionable insights on three hot topics every modern marketer and entrepreneur needs to master:

• Social Selling and Outreach: Build authentic relationships and increase engagement without the old-school cold calling approach.
• Authenticity in the Era of AI: Learn how to leverage AI tools while keeping your unique brand voice alive.
• Storytelling in Branding and Content: Discover how to integrate everyday experiences and real customer stories into your content to create meaningful connections with your audience.

Whether you’re looking to up your social selling game, make smarter use of AI, or elevate your storytelling skills, this episode is packed with practical tips and inspiration.

Key Takeaways

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

• The key to engagement on platforms like LinkedIn? It’s social selling, not cold selling. Allie breaks down how to provide value and build rapport without coming off as salesy.
• What NOT to do with AI tools like ChatGPT (hint: don’t blindly copy and paste!). Allie explains how to use AI strategically to enhance your content while retaining a human touch.
• How to create impactful content by understanding your brand identity and leveraging your audience’s real-life questions, stories, and feedback.

About Allie 

Allie Fisher is the Head of Client Services and Strategy at ModGirl Marketing and Luminetics, where she helps businesses elevate their social media strategy, outreach efforts, and brand content. With a background in screenwriting and nearly two decades in digital marketing, Allie has a unique ability to blend creativity with data-driven strategy. Her focus on authenticity and storytelling sets her apart in the marketing industry.

Connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alliefisher1/) or via the Luminetics website (www.luminetics.io).

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

On this episode of the Simply Smart Business podcast, host Nicki Ong sits down with Kevin Noyes, SEO strategist and digital growth consultant, to dig into the no-fluff reality of SEO today. With years of hands-on experience, Kevin shares invaluable insights on crafting effective SEO strategies, leveraging AI in marketing, and dominating local search rankings.

Whether you're a small business owner, marketer, or just SEO-curious, this episode is packed with actionable advice to elevate your online visibility.

Key Takeaways:

• Real-World SEO Strategies: Forget the fluff; Kevin explains what actually works when growing traffic and driving results.
• Local SEO Domination: Practical tips for small businesses to rank higher and target their local audience.
• Using AI as an SEO Tool: How AI can enhance SEO efforts without replacing the marketer’s expertise.
• Building Brand Consistency Online: Why consistency in your name, address, and phone number (NAP) is key to standing out in search results.
• Secrets to Avoiding SEO Scams: How to work with the right SEO professional and steer clear of ineffective services.

About Kevin 

Kevin Noyes is an SEO strategist and digital growth consultant with a proven track record of driving serious traffic – including 4x organic growth for cannabis brands like Chronic Guru and Sativa University. With over a decade in the trenches, Kevin has led SEO for everything from multi-location law firms to mom-and-pop contractors, always with a sharp focus on scalable systems, local search dominance, and no-BS results.

Through his freelance consultancy, Kevin helps small businesses punch above their weight online – specializing in cannabis, home services, legal, and other competitive spaces. He’s also the founder of Small Bear Digital, a boutique SEO and web development agency.

When he’s not deep in audits or tinkering with schema, you’ll find him sipping good coffee with a fine cigar, testing out AI tools, or cheering on his daughter at musical theater.

Connect with Kevin online through Small Bear Digital (https://smallbeardigital.com), his personal website KevinNoyes.com (https://kevinnoyes.com/), or on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinnoyesmarketing/).

Tools Mentioned:

• ZimWriter: A cutting-edge AI content tool.
• Ahrefs: An SEO tool for tracking rankings and keywords.

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

This week on the Simply Smart Business podcast, Nicki Ong sits down with Katie Merriman, Director of Brand Marketing and Communications at the Impact Partnership, to share her incredible career story and invaluable insights into marketing. 

From her start in broadcast journalism to becoming a leader in financial marketing, Katie dives into the lessons she’s learned about flexibility, creativity, and staying curious. This episode is packed with actionable advice for professionals and entrepreneurs looking to innovate and thrive in their fields.

Key Takeaways:

• Say Yes to Opportunities: Katie shares how her willingness to say yes led her from working as a news photographer to leading a marketing team. Her advice? Even when you're unsure, a yes holds the potential for growth and adventure.
• Flexibility is Key: Marketing is constantly evolving. Katie talks about how clinging to old techniques can hold you back and stresses the importance of adapting in a fast-paced environment.
• The Balance Between Imagination and Execution: While creativity is vital, critical thinking and practicality ensure your ideas are achievable and effective.
• Focus on the Customer Journey: Katie emphasizes the importance of meeting your audience where they are and crafting personalized, impactful marketing strategies.
• Diverse Connections Make the Difference: From mentors to chance encounters, Katie credits her success to building a network of diverse, supportive individuals who constantly broaden her perspective.

About Katie

Follow Katie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_may_keep_it_together

Follow Katie on LinkedIn for professional updates: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemmerriman/

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

Join Nicki as she chats with Claudia Varga, the Marketing Director and Spokesperson at Wellness Origin, based in Indianapolis. 

Claudia opens up about her inspiring career in marketing, blending her passion for wellness and business with a creative edge. From her time at the Kelley School of Business to co-creating a family wellness venture, she shares how a love for clean beauty, self-care, and music have shaped her professional and personal life.

This episode dives into the unique services of Wellness Origin, including organic facials, massages, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, as well as practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to thrive in health and beauty industries. 

Claudia also shares her foundational wellness tips, her vision of making clean beauty products accessible nationwide, and the significance of mindset when pursuing goals.

Whether you’re a wellness enthusiast, a business owner, or simply need a dose of inspiration, this episode has something for you.

Key Takeaways

• Claudia’s transition from business school to wellness entrepreneur
• The services and products Wellness Origin offers, from organic beauty treatments to supplements
• Strategies for marketing a wellness brand, including VIP programs and niche audiences
• How Claudia infuses her love for music into her business and personal life
• Foundational daily wellness habits for balance, health, and relaxation
• Mindset tips for entrepreneurs, from setting personal goals to enjoying the process
• Claudia's vision to make clean, effective beauty products available nationwide

About Claudia

Connect with Claudia by visiting the following websites: 

Wellness Origin business: https://wellnessoriginindy.com/
Wellness Origin products: https://www.wellnessorigin.com/
Claudia's personal website: https://www.claudiavarga.com/

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/

Tune in as Nicki and Jessica deliver an inspiring and heartfelt conversation about navigating the ups and downs of career and life. 

Jessica, founder of Dragonfly Marketing, shares her unique entrepreneurial story – from leaving her job in 2008 to launching her own business and eventually transitioning to her current roles as a fractional CMO and Integrator.

Jessica reflects on her background in psychology and how it shaped her approach to marketing, leadership, and personal growth. She opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, thriving in male-dominated industries, and discovering her own strength through adversity. Listeners will also hear about Jessica's strategies for balancing work and motherhood, especially during the pandemic, and how she champions remote work as a game-changer for productivity.

Perhaps most compelling is Jessica’s passion for empathetic leadership. She shares how her personal experiences, including a toxic work environment, shaped her commitment to active listening, understanding individual boundaries, and creating supportive, human-centric work cultures.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with advice, insights, and actionable takeaways to help you in both your professional and personal life.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t be afraid to take leaps of faith, even during uncertain times.
• Practice active listening and empathy to build stronger, more effective teams.
• Take advantage of the flexibility in remote and fractional roles to create the life you want.
• Remember the value of self-belief and perseverance, even when doubting your abilities.
• Focus on your mental health and establish boundaries that prevent burnout.

About Jessica:

Learn more about Jessica and her work at Dragonfly Marketing by visiting https://www.dragonflymarketingandpromos.com/. Connect with her on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicanscott1/) for more tips on empathetic leadership, marketing strategies, and balancing work and life.

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ABOUT YOUR HOST

Since 2008, Nicki’s been optimizing websites, copywriting, and blogging, while embracing her passion for working with other small business owners to improve their online presence using digital marketing.

She’s a mompreneur (with an incredible 6-year-old son!), wife to an amazing hubby, fitness and nutrition enthusiast, author-to-be, red wine lover, Scorpio, and eternal optimist. One could say she’s multi-passionate.

Learn more and connect with Nicki here: https://nickiong.com/simplesprout/